Korea Visa for Malaysians 2026: Requirements, K-ETA, Fees & Application Guide

Gambar Profil Penulis

Oleh Trip.com

21 April 2026

Planning a trip to South Korea? Whether you're heading to Seoul for shopping, Busan for beaches, or Jeju for nature, understanding visa requirements is essential. This guide covers everything Malaysians need to know about Korean visas✅

1. Do Malaysians Need to Apply for a Korean Visa?

Good news! Malaysian passport holders generally do NOT need a visa to enter South Korea for short-term visits.

👉 Always check the latest entry requirements before travel, as policies may change.

For most Malaysians, a visa is NOT required for short-term visits.

⚠️ K-ETA Requirement

Before traveling, you may need to apply for:

  • K-ETA
  • This is an online travel authorization (not a visa)

K-ETA Details:

  • Valid for: 2–3 years (or until passport expires)
  • Processing time: usually within 24–72 hours
  • Cost: approx. KRW 10,000 (~RM35–40)

👉 Note: South Korea sometimes temporarily exempts certain countries (including Malaysia) from K-ETA. Always check current rules before travel.

❤️Don't forget to buy an eSIM in advance to connect smoothly in Korea, please refer to this blog: Korea eSIM

2. Types of Korean Visa

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or for specific purposes, you will need a visa.

🔹 Short-Term Visas (C-Type)

  • C-3-9 Tourist Visa – leisure travel
  • C-3-4 Business Visa – meetings, conferences
  • C-3-1 General Visit Visa – visiting relatives

🔹 Long-Term Visas (D & E Types)

  • D-2 Student Visa – university programs
  • D-4 Language Visa – Korean language courses
  • E-2 Work Visa – teaching English
  • E-7 Skilled Worker Visa – specialized professions

🔹 Special Visas

  • F-series (Residence visas) – long-term residency, marriage, etc.

👉 Choosing the correct visa type is crucial to avoid rejection.

3. What Are the Benefits of a Korean Visa?

Even though Malaysians can enter visa-free, a Korean visa provides additional advantages:

✔️ Longer Stay

  • Stay beyond the 90-day visa-free limit

✔️ Multiple Entries

  • Enter Korea multiple times without reapplying

✔️ Work & Study Opportunities

  • Legal permission for employment or education

✔️ Stability for Long-Term Plans

  • Ideal for digital nomads, students, or expats

🔥 Hotel Coupons: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New Users

Discover the world with trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! If this is your second time using it, you will receive a 5% discount! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.

Just click this link and download the Trip.com App, after successfully registering as a member, use it when you place an order!

🔥Save More with Up to 10% Off

Use our promo code to enjoy up to 10% OFF on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs! There is also a 5% OFF for new users!

🔥New User Coupon: Save More with an Extra 5% Off

Use our promo code to enjoy an extra 5% off on your attraction tickets, eSIMs, and tours! ⏳Redeem within 3 days of claiming

Hotel Popular di Korea

5 star

9.4/10Amazing590 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.3km dari pusat bandar
The hotel service is excellent, especially the staff at the front desk. They are very friendly to Chinese guests, and some even speak Chinese. Check-in was super fast, and they also helped us book restaurants and arranged a taxi. They even made sure our luggage was loaded and gave instructions to the driver – truly thoughtful and attentive! Definitely a huge thumbs up! The hotel is clean and tidy, and the location is great, making it convenient to get anywhere. Highly recommend this well-established hotel! (^O^)
DariTHB 9,903
9.4/10Amazing315 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.21km dari pusat bandar
The location is super convenient, with direct access to the subway downstairs. The underground passage leads straight to Myeongdong Lotte Department Store. This is my second time staying here, and I really love it! The swimming pool and gym are a highlight; they're large and have professional equipment. I used them twice this trip, and I'll definitely stay here again next time! Oh, and a big thank you to the front desk staff – they allowed me to check in early both times, which was a great experience.
DariTHB 6,979
9.3/10Great259 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.51km dari pusat bandar
I had an incredible stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The service was exceptional, with a special mention to Jenna, I met the first day with 6 hours flight delay who went above and beyond to make my experience unforgettable. The housekeeping team was equally outstanding, ensuring my room was always spotless and adding thoughtful touches that enhanced my stay (Thank you for the yummy chocolate pastries and eye masks). The hotel’s facilities, location, and overall atmosphere were flawless, truly embodying luxury and comfort.  The only minor downside was the mattress, which was a bit softer than I prefer. However, this didn’t detract from the amazing experience. Highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Seoul!   Also no worries about restaurants there, many restaurants you can see nearby. The BBQ restaurant opposite the hotel is absolutely amazing! The two ladies there are incredibly friendly and especially attentive to children. The Korean beef and pork are truly delicious, and the kimchi, along with the slightly spicy mushroom soup, is fantastic. It’s even better than the Michelin one-star BBQ beef restaurant I visited the next day in Gangnam.
DariTHB 19,149
8.9/10Very Good407 Ulasan
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|3.44km dari pusat bandar
I thoroughly enjoyed my brief stay at the Grand Hyatt. It was the perfect place for a relaxing yet invigorating reset before a two-week trip around Korea. The hotel is well situated for those who do not mind a bit of effort: Namsan Park is nearby if you are in the mood for a refreshing but fairly challenging hike, and Itaewon and Hannam are close enough for culture, dining, and a livelier atmosphere. That said, I would not recommend it as a first-time base for someone visiting Seoul, as it is not the kind of hotel where you can simply walk out of the lobby and begin exploring. However, I would absolutely recommend it for anyone looking to recharge, enjoy stunning views, and make full use of the hotel’s outstanding facilities.
DariTHB 7,821
8.5/10Very Good393 Ulasan
Hannam-dong/Itaewon Seoul|4.43km dari pusat bandar
This is my second time staying at this hotel, and I've had to complain twice about noise issues, plus I even changed rooms once. On the first day, the construction site next to the hotel started making banging noises with steel pipes and other construction sounds at 7 AM, which almost gave me a nervous breakdown. Maybe I'm just sensitive to noise. On the last night, the room next door was still blasting music and partying at 4 AM, with the bass shaking the walls. While it's not entirely the hotel's fault, there are definitely significant management loopholes. The environment and location are still good, but I'd advise against staying here for now. Wait until the construction next door is finished.
DariTHB 6,080
8.9/10Very Good786 Ulasan
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.34km dari pusat bandar
Location: Very close to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (lines 2/3/4/5). Shopping: Hyundai Outlet, DDP Market (closed during Chinese New Year), Doosan Tower, Gwangjang Market, Lotte FITIN. Food: Dozens of restaurants in the alley across the street. Cosmetics: Olive Young is diagonally opposite. Myeongdong: Three stops on Line 2. Gangnam: A few stops from Dongguk University Station on Line 5. Hongdae: Reachable within half an hour!
DariTHB 9,089
9.2/10Great448 Ulasan
Yeouido Seoul|6.44km dari pusat bandar
The room facilities are very new, clean, and the view is excellent. The front desk, restaurant, concierge, and service staff were all very enthusiastic, providing a top-notch experience. The food was also great. The location is even more amazing, with direct underground access to IFC and Hyundai Department Store. Highly recommended! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
DariTHB 12,326
9.5/10Amazing1033 Ulasan
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.68km dari pusat bandar
Service: The service was absolutely top-notch, 100%! There was always someone available to assist, no matter where you were. The doormen were plentiful and spoke excellent English, Korean, and Chinese, so you could ask anything and get an answer. Cleanliness: Very clean. Ambiance: The lobby is stunning and has a wonderful Korean feel to it. Facilities: However, I was quite disappointed when I got into the room. It was very small and the decor looked dated. My biggest disappointment was that the gym closed at 10 PM. Also, toothbrushes weren't provided, and they cost 5000 won, which the front desk didn't mention. Overall, it started out as a 100% positive experience but continuously declined from there.
DariTHB 12,941

Show more

Business travel

8.9/10Very Good821 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.17km dari pusat bandar
Had a lovely stay at New Seoul Hotel. The staff were extremely helpful, especially when we were finding our way around Seoul (The second picture the staff printed out the ways for us to get to Elysian Ski Park 🥺). The hotel is clean and comfortable, and the doorman and cleaners always greeted us warmly, which made our mornings better. The price is reasonable for the location, and Myeongdong is just around a 20-minute walk. Overall, very happy with this hotel and would recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.
DariTHB 2,300
9.1/10Great1258 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.9km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is very close to the subway station, and there's a convenience store and coffee shop right in the building. The room was a bit small, but the morning fruit was excellent. On the downside, the room's air conditioning didn't provide heat, so it was quite cold, and they had to bring us an electric heater. It's nice that there are charging ports by the bed, but you have to leave a reading light on for them to work. The breakfast area felt a bit crowded.
DariTHB 5,649
8.8/10Very Good1442 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.61km dari pusat bandar
The hotel entrance is right by a bus stop, and there's a smoking area to the left of the main entrance. There's also a convenience store on the first floor that closes at 11:50 PM (they don't accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, but they do sell T-Money cards, so you'll need cash). A pharmacy is also available. The hotel lobby is on the second floor. Two subway stations, Euljiro 3-ga and Euljiro 4-ga, are nearby. Myeongdong is also within walking distance, about 10 minutes away. The front desk staff are very friendly and can communicate in English. The room size is decent, not too small. The king bed in the family room is good, and the 1.1-meter small bed is suitable for women. The shower has plenty of hot water, but there's no overhead shower, and the hot water from the sink faucet is very low pressure. The bathroom mirror is quite large, but the full-length mirror by the window gives a clearer view for makeup. Shower gel and shampoo are provided, but you'll need to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste. Since it was a family room for three, towels and slippers were already prepared. The hotel provided a magnetic portable charger by the bed with Type-C and Lightning cables, allowing you to charge three devices simultaneously. There aren't many dining options right around the hotel; most people go to Myeongdong for food. There's another convenience store like CU a street away that accepts Alipay and WeChat Pay. Overall, the value for money is good, and it's convenient for getting to Myeongdong – just walk straight out of the hotel and turn right for about 3-4 blocks.
DariTHB 3,080
8.2/10Very Good1428 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.05km dari pusat bandar
I’ve stayed here several times in the past, and it didn’t disappoint again. The room is huge, the bathroom is nice and clean, and the staff are always kind and helpful. The room temperature was excellent and kept very warm during the cold winter in Seoul. The hotel is right outside a metro station, which makes getting around very convenient. This time I also discovered they have self-lock luggage lockers, free for the first 24 hours (or available for a small fee after), which was very useful. The laundry machines are also affordable and work well, with dryers available too. Overall, a very comfortable and reliable place to stay that I would happily return to again.
DariTHB 2,602
8.7/10Very Good2140 Ulasan
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.14km dari pusat bandar
The transportation is incredibly convenient; the 6001 airport bus drops you off right across the street, and it's just a few minutes' walk to the subway. The hotel front desk staff are very welcoming and speak Chinese, which is really friendly for us Chinese travelers. The hotel seems to have been recently renovated, as the rooms feel quite new. The only minor downsides are that the beds are smaller compared to hotels of the same caliber in China, and all rooms have bathtubs instead of walk-in showers. I would still choose this hotel on my next trip to Seoul.
DariTHB 3,260
9/10Great1296 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.22km dari pusat bandar
It's an old hotel, but the location is great. There's a direct shuttle bus from the airport. You can see the schedule in the picture; the latest bus from the airport to the hotel is around 10:30 PM, costing about 80+ RMB. The airport bus is super convenient; I've found that bus transport in Korea is often faster than the subway. The hotel facilities are old, for example, there are no power outlets by the bed. However, the room is very spacious, and it offers excellent value for money. It's within walking distance of places like Myeongdong, and most of these routes have underground passages, making it very comfortable to get around. Many nearby attractions are also within walking distance. The price is right, it's just the facilities that are old, but the soundproofing and other aspects are quite good!
DariTHB 1,930
8.8/10Very Good1877 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.5km dari pusat bandar
I've stayed here many times, and the facilities are definitely showing their age. The sink in my renovated room still drains poorly, and the water temperature on the faucet is incredibly difficult to adjust. To cross the street, you have to take a detour to avoid the underpass. It's close to Seoul Station, and the airport shuttle right outside is convenient for getting back. It was a bit of a walk when I first arrived, though.
DariTHB 2,749
8.8/10Very Good1813 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.67km dari pusat bandar
I had a wonderful stay at Skypark Hotel Central Myeongdong. The location is excellent right in the heart of everything, making it super convenient for shopping and exploring the area. Although our first room didn’t have a view, the staff were incredibly accommodating and allowed us to change rooms without any hassle, which we really appreciated. The service overall was outstanding. A special thank you to Haneuo Lee, who was extremely helpful and made our stay even more pleasant with their kindness and professionalism. Highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Seoul. Great service, great location, and a very comfortable stay!
DariTHB 3,066

Show more

Breakfast

8.4/10Very Good932 Ulasan
Insadong / Bukchon Seoul|1.15km dari pusat bandar
We stayed at Hotel Venue G in Seoul for 3 nights and really enjoyed our stay. The location is excellent, it’s close to many attractions, restaurants, and shops, and very convenient for getting around the city. There’s also the beautiful Cheonggyecheon Stream right in front of the hotel, perfect for a peaceful walk in the morning or evening. The room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, a great place to stay if you’re looking for good value and a convenient location in Seoul.
DariTHB 1,642
9/10Great2569 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.16km dari pusat bandar
This hotel offers excellent value for money, particularly given its convenient location which is just a comfortable 10-minute walk to the heart of Myeongdong’s main shopping streets. Rooms are modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed, with comfortable bedding ensuring a good night’s rest. Despite being relatively compact, the space is efficiently laid out and well-maintained. A standout feature is the thoughtful pillow selection corner, where guests can choose their preferred pillow fillings to suit their comfort—an excellent touch that enhances the overall sleep experience.
DariTHB 2,858
9.3/10Great712 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.58km dari pusat bandar
This was a rather unpleasant trip. When I checked into my room, I found yellow stains on the bedding. I was too tired that night to bother with it. But the room temperature was consistently cold. At first, I thought it was just me. I had the air conditioning on since I got back to the room, set to 30 degrees Celsius, but the room felt drafty all night. I didn't pay much attention, just hoping it would eventually warm up. However, I woke up freezing at 4 AM. My feet, even under the covers, were icy cold everywhere that wasn't already warm. I got up for a drink, and the water in the glass on the table was also ice cold – yes, truly ice cold. I had no choice but to go down to the front desk to ask for a room change, telling them, 'The lobby is warmer than my room.' The front desk staff moved me to another room and brought an electric heater. But this room was right next to the road. I won't even go into the noise, as it was already 4:30 AM, and I didn't want to go back down to complain again. I put on my headphones, endured it, and managed a few hours of sleep. This room, even without the electric heater, had a decent temperature. However, when I laid out the floor towel in the morning, I again found yellow stains on it. I don't know what's going on with the laundry at this hotel. I stayed for two nights in total, and one entire night was spent dealing with these issues. The next day, I had to go buy a pair of earplugs. I won't be staying here again.
DariTHB 7,045
9.1/10Great973 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|0.48km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, right next to Ibis and across from Lotte. After arriving at Incheon, I took the 6015 bus, which took about an hour and a half to reach the Ibis hotel stop. From there, I walked a short distance to see the Apple store, and the hotel is located upstairs. You can enter the building from either side. I went to the 9th floor for check-in. I booked the most basic room, and it was indeed small. I couldn't fully open my 26-inch suitcase at the foot of the bed, so I organized my belongings in the area near the door and then stored the suitcase away during the day. On each floor, near the elevators, there's a water dispenser with both hot and cold water. During check-out, a Korean gentleman who spoke Chinese provided excellent service. Additionally, the hotel offers luggage storage lockers, which are free for up to 8 hours.
DariTHB 4,575
9.1/10Great1540 Ulasan
Dongdaemun Market Seoul|2.2km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is near Dongdaemun subway station, about a 10-minute walk away. However, it's right by a subway entrance, which is great because rain or wind won't be an issue. The room was also very clean. Highly recommend! Plus, there's a ramen shop nearby and the 6001 airport bus stops right in front, making it super convenient to get to and from the airport.
DariTHB 2,995
9.3/10Great2180 Ulasan
Sinchon/Hongdae Seoul|5.05km dari pusat bandar
Very pleasant hotel was impressed with the housekeeping outstanding services and the exceptional service provided by the front desk agent and GM of the hotel. When I realised I had left my cap behind, they immediately assisted me with genuine concern and efficiency. Within minutes, they located my item and ensured it was returned to me without any hassle. Their prompt response, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile reflect outstanding customer care and made me feel valued as a guest.
DariTHB 5,044
8.8/10Very Good1027 Ulasan
Myeong-dong Seoul|1.02km dari pusat bandar
The guy who checked me in was really polite and thoughtful. The hotel is super close to the subway station, and there are tons of food options and convenience stores right downstairs. Plus, there's a fantastic aged Hanwoo Korean BBQ place, Sukseongdo, on the second floor – absolutely amazing! Although my room didn't have a view of N Seoul Tower, you can catch a glimpse of it from the elevator waiting area. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Seoul!
DariTHB 3,866
8.6/10Very Good953 Ulasan
Seoul|7.39km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Exit 1 of Changhanpyeong Subway Station. If you have luggage, you can take the escalator up instead of climbing stairs. There's a CU convenience store right next to the hotel, and a 7-Eleven across the street, which is very handy. The downside is that the hot water for showering only lasts about 30 minutes. If a second person showers, it starts getting cold towards the end. Also, the hotel's cleaning staff leave after 4 PM, so when I checked in, I noticed one of the beds was a bit dirty, and I had to wait for the front desk staff to be available to help change it.
DariTHB 1,490

Show more

Show more

4. Validity and Duration of Stay of a Korean Visa

Visa validity depends on the type issued:

Visa Type

Validity

Duration per Stay

Tourist (Single Entry)

3 months

Up to 90 days

Multiple Entry

1–5 years

30–90 days per visit

Student Visa

Course duration

Long-term stay

Work Visa

Contract duration

Long-term stay

⚠️ Important:

  • Overstaying can result in fines or future travel bans
  • Always check your visa stamp upon entry
🥰Come and plan your vacation!Malaysia Public holidays in 2026 are as follows, please check:

5. Requirements for Applying for a Korean Visa

Requirements may vary, but generally Malaysians need:

📄 Basic Documents

  • Valid Malaysian passport (≥6 months validity)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport-sized photo (white background)

✈️ Travel Documents

  • Flight booking (round-trip)
  • Hotel reservation or accommodation proof

💰 Financial Proof

  • Recent bank statements (3–6 months)
  • Proof of sufficient funds

👔 Supporting Documents

  • Employment letter (for employees)
  • Business registration (for self-employed)
  • Student letter (if applicable)

📝 Additional Documents

Depending on visa type:

  • Invitation letter (business/family visit)
  • School acceptance letter (student visa)
  • Employment contract (work visa)
❤️Book flight tickets to Singapore on Trip.com, get the best deals! Don't forget to get Flight Promo Code in advance

  • Pergi Balik
  • Sehala

Tambang penerbangan yang dipaparkan dari ${{departCityName}} ke ${{arrivalCityName}} adalah berdasarkan harga purata daripada pelbagai syarikat penerbangan untuk 3 bulan seterusnya, mengikut pangkalan data Trip.com terkini.

6. How to Apply for a Korean Visa

Gambar dari KOREA VISA PORTAL


6. How to Apply for a Korean Visa

Malaysians can apply through the Korean embassy or visa application centers.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Identify your visa type
  2. Prepare all required documents
  3. Complete the application form
  4. Book an appointment (if required)
  5. Submit your application
  6. Pay the visa fee
  7. Wait for processing
  8. Collect your passport

👉 Applications are usually submitted via:

  • Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia
  • Authorized visa centers

7. How Much Does a Korean Visa Cost?

Visa fees are generally:

Visa Type

Fee

Single-entry visa

USD 40 (~RM180)

Double-entry visa

USD 70 (~RM320)

Multiple-entry visa

USD 80 (~RM360)

Additional Costs:

  • Service fees (if using visa center)
  • Document printing / translation
  • Travel insurance (optional but recommended)

8. How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Korean Visa?

⏱️ Processing Time

  • Standard: 5–10 working days
  • Peak season: 10–15 working days

Factors That Affect Processing:

  • Incomplete documents
  • High application volume
  • Additional verification required

👉 Tip: Apply at least 2–4 weeks before your trip

Bonus: Travel Tips for Malaysians Visiting Korea

🌸 Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms
  • Autumn (Sept–Nov): Cool weather & foliage

💡 Useful Tips

  • Download Grab alternative apps (Korea uses Kakao T)
  • Prepare a T-money card for transport
  • Learn basic Korean phrases or use translation apps

For Malaysians, traveling to South Korea is relatively easy thanks to visa-free entry. However, understanding visa options, requirements, and processes is essential—especially for longer stays or special purposes.

By preparing early and choosing the right visa (or K-ETA), you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey to Korea✨

🔥 Hotel Coupons: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New Users

Discover the world with trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! If this is your second time using it, you will receive a 5% discount! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.

Just click this link and download the Trip.com App, after successfully registering as a member, use it when you place an order!

🔥Save More with Up to 10% Off

Use our promo code to enjoy up to 10% OFF on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs! There is also a 5% OFF for new users!

🔥New User Coupon: Save More with an Extra 5% Off

Use our promo code to enjoy an extra 5% off on your attraction tickets, eSIMs, and tours! ⏳Redeem within 3 days of claiming

Korea Visa for Malaysians – FAQs

  • 1. Do Malaysians need a visa to travel to South Korea?

    Malaysian passport holders do not need a visa for short visits to South Korea (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting family. However, travelers may need to apply for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure, depending on current regulations.
  • 2. What is K-ETA and do Malaysians need it?

    K-ETA is an online travel authorization required for visa-free travelers entering South Korea. Malaysians may be required to apply for K-ETA before traveling.

    Validity: 2–3 years

    Processing time: 24–72 hours

    Cost: around KRW 10,000

    👉 Always check if Malaysians are temporarily exempt before applying.
  • 3. How long can Malaysians stay in South Korea without a visa?

    Malaysians can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days per visit without a visa.
  • 4. What types of Korean visas are available for Malaysians?

    If you plan to stay longer or for specific purposes, you may need a visa such as:

    Tourist Visa (C-3-9)

    Business Visa (C-3-4)

    Student Visa (D-2, D-4)

    Work Visa (E-series)

    Long-term residence visas (F-series)
  • 5. When do Malaysians need to apply for a Korean visa?

    You need a visa if:

    You plan to stay more than 90 days

    You intend to work, study, or live in South Korea

    Your travel purpose is not covered under visa-free entry
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
aaaa